Reader Michael M. says: "Based on the ‘tensions’ building between Putin and Obama due to issues such as human rights, Snowden and now the Syria crisis, resulting in cancellations of meetings between the two leaders, one could logically conclude that relations are getting worse and we are on a path moving back to the Cold War era.

"However, on the other hand, it would not surprise us if there is some ‘false flagging’ going on here to make it ‘appear’ that there is freezing of relations, when, in fact, it is all set up to make Putin and Obama look good in the long run.

"I am not saying this is the case. However, in a global economy, with global missions, global institutes, global commissions, global initiatives and global objectives, it would not surprise me if this turned out to be the case."

Brad: Good thinking, Michael. The geopolitical picture is definitely changing. Let’s hope it is for the better.

What do you think? Will Bashar al-Assad have better luck than Qaddafi? Where does the deal leave Obama politically? Did Vladimir Putin just checkmate the U.S. or Obama politically?

***

When people talk about "the stock market," they usually think of the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Most investment professionals ignore the Dow because indexes like the S&P 500 better represent today’s economy. The "Dow 30" nevertheless lives on.

Microsoft (MSFT) took two hits. First, the new iPhones give the Windows Phone an even-steeper uphill climb. Second, the powerful iPhone 5S appears to have real potential as a gaming device. Combined with some yet-to-be-seen Apple TV product, the Microsoft Xbox could get evicted from many game-addict living rooms.

On the other hand, Apple investors appear to be unimpressed. Shares fell after the mid-day event, closing back below $500 at $494.64.

Part of the disappointment was in the full pricing scheme. Phone carriers will have to pay Apple $549 for the "cheaper" iPhone 5C. Customers pay less because the carriers subsidize the phone cost — and $549 is more than some expected.

Our AAPL model trade is still open for now. I want to wait a few days to let everyone absorb the news. You can view photos and learn more about the new iPhones on the Apple website.

What do you think? Will you get a free 4S or leap forward to a 5S? Does the fingerprint scanner sound creepy? Should Google and Microsoft worry? Post your comments here.

***

Finally, here’s a letter connecting technology with the employment problem.

Reader Tomm R.says: "This is not a solution; I just would like to comment on productivity. Back in the 1990s, Alan Greenspan used to talk a lot about increases in productivity. I noticed at the time that [many] customer services that people used to get paid to provide [are] more and more provided by the customers themselves, without pay[by] automated telephone systems.

"In other words, the work moved from paid employees to unpaid customers! Producing services for free is as productive as it gets."

Brad: Tom is right. Labor-saving technology lets us enjoy lower prices for all kinds of goods and services. It also unfortunately leaves some people looking for work.

This process isn’t new. The Industrial Revolution created factory jobs and destroyed farm jobs at a level not ever seen before that time period, or since. But eventually, everyone adjusted to the new economy.

We are going through a similar process now in the decades-long, and ever-ongoing, Digital Revolution. I think the challenge we all face now is figuring out the best way how to help people through that process.

***

Those were the big topics for today, but here are a few final headlines to keep in mind in your trading and investing …

The Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite joined hands to move higher today. All three look good for September so far.

China reported higher than expected industrial output and retail sales for August. Financial markets around the globe seemed happy today. Can the good feeling last?

A Bloomberg survey of 34 economists expects the Fed will taper QE3 to $75 billion per month starting this month. We will know for sure a week from tomorrow.

Good luck and happy investing,

Brad Hoppmann
PublisherUncommon Wisdom Daily

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